Campaigners win public inquiry

Transport: All aspects of plans for Inverness link road to be scrutinised

Campaigners demanding a public inquiry into a controversial new road in Inverness have won the support of a national roads agency.

Transport Scotland has confirmed they have recommended that a hearing is held into the multimillion-pound Inverness West Link project as soon as possible.

It will join the main A82 Inverness to Fort William route with Dores Road, and include two new crossings, a low-level one over the River Ness and a second swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal.

Landowners on or near the proposed route had registered objections to compulsory purchase orders, made in connection with the road, with the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA).

Simultaneous requests for a public inquiry were made by the objectors, which have been taken on board by Transport Scotland, who are backing the call for a hearing. One of the most vociferous voices against the scheme has come from John West, of Inverness Civic Society.

He said yesterday: “Highland Council have been at pains to give the impression that this inquiry could be by paper submissions and would slip through below the radar. The letter received by the objectors gives lie to that hope.

“It will, of course, be a David and Goliath battle as the council have endless legal resources, funds and time to pursue their objectives, whereas the objectors are spending their own resources, time and effort.”

Several other options have been suggested, including a tunnel under the river, and an alternative bridge – both of which would be cheaper, Mr West claims.

He further claims that the cost of the project has spiralled out of control, from an original £27million to the current estimated £65million.

All aspects of the proposal would be scrutinised at a hearing, which would take place in the Inverness area, at the behest of the country’s national roads agency.

A spokeswoman said: “Transport Scotland has informed objectors to The Highland Council (Inverness West Link) Compulsory Purchase Order 2013, that the matter has been passed to the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals with a request that a reporter is appointed and a public local inquiry or hearing is arranged at the earliest opportunity.”

The council would not comment yesterday.

ALTERNATIVES: John West with plans for a different option on the Inverness bypass